Kobe Bryant says he’d love to play at 2016 Rio Olympics

Reuters

9 years ago

Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. (Derick E. Hingle/USA Today Sports)

Oct 8, 2015; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the third quarter of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Raptors won 105-97. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports)

Oct 16, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts against the Utah Jazz at the Honda Center. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Los Angeles Lakers‘ Kobe Bryant (24) runs down the court in his preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015. (Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) dribbles against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. (Tim Fuller/USA Today Sports)

November 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) sits on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 111-77. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant, who is retiring after 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the NBA season, would be very happy to give an encore performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I would love nothing more than to be in an international environment and be around some of the other great athletes one more time,” Bryant told ESPN Radio on Friday when asked about the Rio Games.

The 37-year-old Bryant won gold medals with the U.S. Olympic team in 2008 and 2012.

Bryant, who began his Lakers career as an 18-year-old in 1996, has won five NBA titles and stands third on the league’s all-time scoring list behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone despite being plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

He said his physical condition would be a factor in an Olympic decision.

Bryant is one of 34 players in the U.S. men’s national team pool from which 12 will be selected for the Olympics.

“If my body can’t do it, there’s no sense in doing it,” the 17-times NBA All-Star said.

“(If) I feel I can make a contribution and my body is up for it, I would love to play.”